SPORT IS UNDERWAY : VET CHECK COMPLETE, THE 5* ACTION BEGINS
The 2025 edition of the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France is officially underway. This Wednesday morning, all horses passed the veterinary inspection, setting the stage for four thrilling days of international show jumping, from June 5 to 8, at the iconic François André Stadium on the Atlantic coast.
Now part of the prestigious Rolex Series, La Baule is once again a magnet for the very best in the sport. Over 45,000 spectators are expected to attend, with free access offered to all — making the event both elite and inclusive.
AN EXCEPTIONAL LINE-UP
Twelve Olympic champions, multiple World and European gold medalists, winners of the most prestigious Grand Prix on the planet — and no fewer than eight of the current Top 10 riders in the FEI World Rankings.
Once again, the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France sets the bar high for its 2025 edition :
World No. 1 Kent Farrington (USA)
World No. 3 Henrik von Eckermann (SWE)
World No. 5 McLain Ward (USA)
World No. 6 Steve Guerdat (SUI)
World No. 7 Martin Fuchs (SUI)
World No. 8 Cian O’Connor (IRL)
World No. 9 Kevin Staut (FRA)
World No. 10 Richard Vogel (GER)
With 71 riders, 185 horses, and 16 nations represented, La Baule once again becomes the beating heart of international show jumping. A field of this caliber confirms the event’s status as one of the most elite, anticipated, and respected competitions on the global calendar.
ROLEX GRAND PRIX VILLE DE LA BAULE : SUNDAY’S HIGHLIGHT
The highlight of the weekend will be the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, held on Sunday, June 8 at 2:00 PM. Riders who qualify throughout the week will battle for victory in this major sporting challenge.
In 2024, Kent Farrington and his mare Greya claimed the title after a thrilling jump-off. Back in La Baule and in top form, the World No. 1 is determined to defend his crown. Will he manage to etch his name once again alongside the sport’s legends — Pierre Durand, McLain Ward, Roger-Yves Bost, Patrice Delaveau, and more? Fifty riders will be chasing that same dream.
10 TEAMS IN THE NATIONS CUP BARRIÈRE
One of the week’s key moments will be the Nations Cup Barrière, contested by 10 national teams on Friday, June 6 at 13:30. The defending champions Germany return after their 2024 triumph, facing powerhouse teams from France, the USA, the Netherlands, Belgium, and beyond.
Each nation will be represented by four riders (three scores counting), offering thrilling, collective drama in a format that still counts toward individual Grand Prix qualification.
FRANCE FIELDS A POWERHOUSE TEAM ON HOME SOIL
For France, the objective is crystal clear: secure a long-awaited victory at home — something the "Vestes Bleues" haven’t achieved since 2017. National coach Édouard Couperie has already confirmed his selection, calling upon a balanced and talented squad that blends experience and emerging talent.
The French team will feature: Kevin Staut, World No. 9 and team gold medalist at the Rio Olympic Games, Marc Dilasser, a key member of the French team, Nina Mallevaey, current World No. 1 in the U25 rankings, Olivier Perreau, team bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and Jeanne Sadran, currently ranked World No. 4 in the U25 category.
For Marc Dilasser, La Baule is unlike any other:
“It’s the show of the year. For French riders, the Jumping International de La Baule is always the most important moment of the season. I’m lucky to be selected for the Nations Cup this year. Since the Rolex Series was created, it has taken on a major role in the circuit by bringing together the most prestigious venues in the world — legendary grass arenas like Rome, La Baule, Dinard, Dublin…. It’s a real privilege for us riders to compete at these historic shows where the legacy of our sport continues to grow.”
All riders will look to write a new chapter in La Baule’s storied history — and perhaps add their names to the list of French legends who have triumphed on home turf, like Nicolas Delmotte, the last French winner of the Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule in 2021.
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